Celebrating Foster Families & the Power of Foster Parenting
Every May, communities across our country celebrate National Foster Care Month as a time to acknowledge the essential role of foster care in supporting children and youth in need and honor America's foster families, who provide safe and nurturing temporary homes. This month, we reflect, advocate, and take action to promote lasting reform in the child welfare system and reaffirm our responsibility to create brighter, more stable futures for every young person.
Across the country, more than 400,000 children and youth are currently experiencing foster care. Unfortunately, many children and youth cannot be placed in foster homes due to a lack of available foster families. Foster parents offer more than just shelter; they provide stability, understanding, and hope during times of transition. Their compassion makes it possible for children and youth to feel safe and supported while their families work toward reunification.
At National Youth Advocate Program (NYAP), we are deeply committed to the belief that children and youth thrive when they can remain safely connected to their primary families. We are dedicated to preserving and strengthening family relationships whenever possible even when children and youth cannot remain in their homes due to safety concerns. In these situations, our foster care parents provide compassionate, trauma-informed care tailored to meet the unique needs of each child or youth. Whether through reunification or kinship placement, adoption or independent living, we walk alongside youth and families as they heal, grow, and find long-term stability within their communities.
In celebration of this month, we extend our heartfelt thanks to foster parents across the country. The compassion and commitment they bring to their work positively impacts the lives of children, youth, and families every day. We are proud to highlight a few of our inspiring foster parents, Melissa Bottomly, Dr. Najma Hunter, and Tiffany McKnatt, who share their journeys, challenges, and hope for every child and youth.
Q: What inspired you to become a foster parent, and what does being a successful foster parent mean to you?
Melissa, a dedicated nurse, began her journey into fostering after adopting her husband’s son. “We wanted to have children together, but we couldn't. So that's how we got into foster care.” Over the past 11 years, Melissa and her husband have provided a safe and stable temporary home to over 30 youth. For Melissa, success as a foster parent comes down to wholehearted commitment. “Being a good foster parent to me is being able to meet a child’s needs – mentally, physically, emotionally. It's not something you can just half do for them to do well in your home. You have to give 100%.”
Dr. Hunter's path began when she stepped in to care for her godchildren, ensuring they didn't enter the foster care system. Her passion for working with youth, especially those with challenging behaviors, motivated her to continue as a respite provider. "As a three-time cancer survivor, I can't physically have children, but I've always poured myself into caring for youth. I worked as a principal with high-needs students, and now I do the same in foster care." For Dr. Hunter, being a successful foster parent means meeting youth where they are. "It's about being an active listener. Every child is different. You help guide them emotionally, academically, and behaviorally. And avoiding power struggles is key."
Tiffany's journey began with a desire to provide teenage girls with a safe place to heal. "I originally wanted to help one student from the middle school where I work. Over a decade later, I'm still doing it. It's not easy, but it's very rewarding." For her, being a successful foster parent means sticking with youth through the hard days. "These kids have been through so much. They need to know their behaviors don't equal being kicked out."
Q: Can you share a success story that stands out to you?
All the youth who stayed with Melissa long-term have gone on to lead meaningful, successful lives. “All my kids have graduated. They're working. They have kids. They're living normal lives.”
Dr. Hunter reflected on the quieter victories she's witnessed through respite care. "Sometimes success is as simple as a child feeling safe enough to stop running or using inappropriate language. When they come to me, it's almost like a vacation. They feel heard, and their behavior changes. It's about building rapport and trust. Those are the moments that matter."
Tiffany spoke about her first foster daughter; a teenager who didn't communicate well and often ran away. "They said she'd never graduate or live outside a group home. But we proved them wrong. She graduated, got her license, got married, and now she works and lives independently. That's a win." Tiffany still maintains a close relationship with her, a testament to the lasting bonds foster care can create.
Q: What advice would you give to someone considering becoming a foster parent?
Melissa encourages foster parents to find an organization that feels like a good fit. “I went into a NYAP office and the people there were just so kind and loving. I knew from the beginning that's where I wanted to be. They helped me get the process started. They're still there and I love them; they're like family to me.”
Dr. Hunter emphasized the importance of education and support. "Understand the behaviors and learn how to respond. Ongoing training and support are essential. And above all, avoid power struggles. Most situations can be de-escalated when you lead with patience and understanding."
Tiffany encourages future foster parents to be ready for commitment and understand the importance of consistency. "Know that you're in it for the good and bad days. Roll with the kids during the tough stuff and let them know that they're loved."
Since 1978, National Youth Advocate Program (NYAP) has provided culturally informed community-held services for children, youth, and families with specialized behavioral, developmental, emotional, and physical needs. We equip our foster parents with comprehensive training and support from compassionate, trauma-informed professionals, ensuring they feel prepared and empowered at every step.
At NYAP, you're never alone. You become part of a mission-driven community committed to healing, stability, and long-term success for youth, families, and foster parents. If you're interested in becoming a foster parent or would like to learn more, please call 1-877-NYAP-CAN, or email us at becomeafosterparent@nyap.org.